Surviving an Economic Downturn

Step 2: I believe there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances OR it has been more than three years since my order was established or modified, and the monthly amount of the child support ordered differs by either 20 percent or $100 from the amount that would be awarded according to child support guidelines.

YES

Your child support may be modified if either of the following conditions is true:

It has been three or more years since your order was established or modified and the monthly amount of the child support ordered differs by either 20 percent or $100 from the amount that would be awarded according to child support guidelines.

If you, your child, or your child’s other parent has experienced a material and substantial change in circumstances.

Print and fill out a request for review to request that your child support case be reviewed by your local child support office. Mail the request for review to the child support office handling your case.

Important: Only the court can change your child support order. Completing a request for review does not guarantee your order will be modified.

Don’t Forget!
When you request a review of your child support order, make sure that you...

provide all the information requested — missing information slows down the process.

show up to any appointments or court hearings that may be scheduled — if you fail to appear, the court or our office may not be able to complete the modification process.

keep in touch with your local child support office until a final decision has been made on your case.

NO

You are probably not eligible for a change in the amount of child support the other parent is ordered to pay if either of the following conditions are true:

It has been less than three years since your child support order was established or last modified and the monthly amount of the child support ordered does not differ by either 20 percent or $100 from the amount that would be awarded according to child support guidelines.

There have been no significant changes to your circumstances, your child’s circumstances, or the other parent's circumstances.

If both of these statements are true, but you would still like to talk with someone about your case, contact your local child support office.